FOLLOWING a visit to former President Rodrigo Duterte at the ICC detention center, Vice President Sara Duterte reported her father was “okay” but voiced out concerns about the mid-term elections and his return to Davao City.
The vice president provided an update on his condition to Filipinos gathered outside the facility on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
“First of all, good afternoon. Many of you have traveled from different countries. Thank you for making the journey, for taking time off, and for setting aside your important tasks to be here. Thank you for your time and for showing your support for President Rodrigo Duterte,” Sara Duterte said.
“Yes, I just finished visiting him, and he’s okay,” she reported. “He’s asking about timelines, as the election is approaching, and he’s inquiring about the senatorial campaigns. He also asked how he can return, given his election in Davao City. Those were the topics we discussed earlier: the campaigns and elections happening in our country.”
She added, “He also expressed his fears about potential election irregularities.”
Regarding his well-being, she stated, “He has rice regularly. The Dutch people yesterday commented that the rice here is cooked differently. I asked him if the rice was cooked correctly, and he said it was. On that point, the rice is perfect. However, he’s still adjusting to the food as it’s not Filipino cuisine. He does have access to milk and fruit, which he requested.”
“He’s okay. President Duterte has some health issues, which are natural at nearly 80 years old. He’s being monitored by doctors and nurses,” she continued.
“His blood sugar is being monitored with a gadget, checked electronically four times a day, so his blood sugar is relatively controlled. Our only problem is his persistent consumption of Coke Zero.”
“Before I left, I bought him four Coke Zeroes and told him to drink one a day until his next grocery delivery on Wednesday. He asked why only one, as he eats three meals a day,” she shared.
